Case of Horse Herpes forces beauty pagaent contestants to ride stick horses

FARMINGTON — While the state has yet to officially cancel any events involving horses that might have been exposed to a local recent equine herpes outbreak, owners and arenas are taking precautions. Because of the outbreak, contestants at the Davis County Sheriff’s Mounted Posse Junior Queen Contest had to cowgirl up Thursday night without their mares. Instead of competing on horses, as is “With a stick horse it’s a lot different because you have to do all the work, and I think it’s going to be a lot more tiring than with a real horse,” said contestant Kylie Felter. What really shined were the true traits of a queen: poise and personality amid trying times. “It will give you experience for if you happen to have a problem like this later in life,” Steed said with a smile. “You already have the experience of riding a stick horse!” Ladies, we tip our hats to you.

L.G